Hudson sending 14 wrestlers to state meet

Sunday

Feb 16, 2014 at 12:00 PM

County qualifies 34 from Division regional

By David ZinserDaily Telegram Sports Writer

The Hudson High School wrestling team thrived in Saturday's Division 4 individual regional tournament, qualifying a perfect 14 out of 14 wrestlers for the state tournament at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Lenawee County wrestlers produced 34 state qualifiers at the regional. The top four placers in each weight class advanced to the state tournament Feb. 27 to March 1.

Addison also had a great day as eight out of the nine wrestlers it brought to the tournament placed. Madison advanced six out of eight, Sand Creek advanced five out of eight, Blissfield will send one, while Clinton was unable to advance any of its 10 wrestlers.

Sending 14 wrestlers to individual states brakes a school record for Hudson, surpassing the previous record of 12.

"They came in and got the job done," said Hudson coach Scott Marry. "We're not into records that much, but I am happy that this group of guys were able to accomplish and do it."

Cole Weaver (140 pounds) dominated his way to first place and will look to win his third straight state championship when he gets to the Palace. JD Waters (145 pounds) also claimed first place while recording his 150th career victory and will look to claim his second consecutive state championship. Fellow defending state champion Roddy Hamdan (112 pounds) defeated teammate Tyler Roberts (112) in the championship match, 5-3.

The Tigers had six other wrestlers compete in their championship match and finish second: Zach Lopinski (103), Isaac Dusseau (119), Mason Lopinski (130), Kyle Johnson (152), Brian Sumber (160) and Jacob Morgan (215. All six lost heartbreakers in the finals.

"I think there's two different identities as far as individual wrestling and team wrestling," said Marry. "These guys wrestle so hard for the team all the time that they don't always focus on wrestling for themselves. They did it today, though, and I'm very proud of this group."

Addison did a fine job itself on the day and will be sending eight wrestlers to individual states.

"I am very happy with our efforts today," said Addison coach Matt Seiser. "This was not an easy district or region to get through. I'm feeling very confident in our guys headed forward."

Jacob Voss (125) was the lone Panther to claim first place on the day, winning in the championship with a convincing 8-1 decision. Mason Groenhout (135) and heavyweight Nick Burt (285) each wrestled in championship matches and placed second.

"It was hard to stay motivated after losing in team regionals," said Seiser. "Now they have something to really shoot for heading to states, and I expect them to preform every time they step on the mat."

Madison also had a successful day with six grapplers punching tickets to individual states.

"Very satisfied on the day," Madison coach Scott Hall said. "Our goal was to get six, and that's what we did."

Austin Wilt (125), Avery Cantu (135), Isaiah Espinoza (140) and Nick Klemm (145) each took third place for the Trojans, while Frankie Najera (103) and heavyweight Isaiah Espinoza (285) each placed fourth.

"This is the most guys we have sent to states since I've been coach and in about 35 years," said Hall. "We plan to practice with some others teams and prepare well, so we stay fresh and don't become stale between now and states."

Sand Creek was able to place five wrestlers in the tournament, including two champions.

Trevor McDormett (160) won a tough 3-0 match in his final, while Roger Fox (171) won in one of the most thrilling championship matches of the day. With only 30 seconds remaining in the match, the score was tied 3-3. Fox was able to stand up and receive an escape point, before withstanding the last few seconds and winning the match 4-3.

Rounding out the Aggie placers are Charlie Robertson (189) in second, Michael Petee (125) in fourth and Robert Standlick (130) in fourth.

"It was a tough day," said Sand Creek coach Marc Spicer. "Five placers and two champions is something to be proud of. We plan to practice hard and travel to other schools in order to push ourselves for states."